Making the Connection Between Depression and Activity Levels Among the Oldest-Old

In this study, depression scores are compared with activity levels among the oldest-old through a secondary data analysis of the 1994 Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) survey. Depression was measured using an abbreviated version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and activity levels were measured using a set of “time use” questions. Time use had a significant interaction with depression (p = .050). Other variables demonstrating significant interactions with depression were self-perceived health, gender, and number of ADLs and IADLs. It is concluded that the oldest-old population enjoys greater life satisfaction with increased activity even if they rate their health as poor.